A “Doctor’s Doctor” is the term used to describe a physician who is sought by medical colleagues when they or their family members are ill. He/She is known to be knowledgeable and talented, respectful and compassionate. He/She will also take the time to listen, to discuss possible diagnoses and the pros and cons of clinical […]

Nasty comments produce an unpleasant noise which disturbs our social atmosphere and is grating on our moods. Expressions of hate induce fear in their targets, and engender unease in others. This nastiness appeals to the darker parts of people’s natures, and serves as a model of behavior for our youth. There’s a real danger that […]

What is this feeling called “happiness” which most people seem to want, and many crave above all else? The United States has the concept of happiness enshrined in its Declaration of Independence, where the “pursuit of happiness” is equated with “life” and “liberty” as “inalienable rights.” By designating happiness as an overriding right, it is […]

My late father Mike was born and raised in a dangerous and depriving world. His early life was marked by abject suffering and privation, with bitter poverty, persecution and pogroms. Worse still, the Nazis and other haters of Jews killed many of his family members. Mike was […]

Xenophobia, or “fear of strangers,” is still rearing its ugly head in this country. We hear nasty anti-immigrant sentiments expressed, particularly disturbing when voiced by some political candidates. I find this sad and disappointing, but it is especially remarkable given that the vast majority of us are descendants of immigrants, either recent or long past. […]

So many people avidly follow the outrageous behaviors of quixotic celebrities like Hollywood starlets, the Kardashians, Basketball Wives, Jersey Shore, Duck Dynasty, The Bachelor, Real Husbands, or Real Housewives of wherever. They are accorded adulation and envy by millions of followers, while they’re reviled by many others who point to this idolatry as example of […]

This accompanying, very moving photograph has been sent many times with varying messages about the plight of the children in Syria (or other war zones) or Nepal (or other natural disaster zones). No matter its true origin, however, this photo can serve as the real “shot heard ’round the world,” a phrase often used to […]

The world has become concerned about our “carbon footprint,” and we’re finally taking seriously the potential consequences of global warming. We’ve been remarkably resourceful and creative in overcoming challenges, and I’m optimistic that our ingenuity and dedication will ultimately reduce our carbon footprint. I am less confident that we will be successful in meeting another […]

Welcome. My name is Saul Levine, MD, author of Our Emotional Footprint. I’m so happy to have you as a visitor to my blog about my new book. This project is very special to me, and I hope to share some of that excitement with you here. I’ll be using this blog to interact with […]